2026:
Research Group — Activities and Highlights
- ØBI Collaboration Arena is initiated
The Research Group has initiated the establishment of ØBI, a cross-disciplinary collaboration arena bringing together ØIS, BIK, and IPL. The main objective of this network is to strengthen cooperation in research and education through the development of interdisciplinary projects. ØBI serves as a platform for joint applications for external funding, participation in Erasmus+ projects, and the creation of innovative initiatives that enhance and support the study programmes across the three academic environments.
- Consortium Activities are in the focus
The Research Group is actively involved in several international research consortia connected to the research initiatives “From Digital Exclusion to Digital Inclusion” and “Cross-Border Impact on Regional Development.” These consortia bring together researchers and experts from across Europe to collaborate on addressing digital transformation, social inclusion, and regional development challenges. The network includes researchers from Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Serbia, Croatia, Ukraine, Albania, Montenegro, and Poland, fostering interdisciplinary cooperation, knowledge exchange, and the development of innovative solutions with both regional and international impact.
- June 2026: Next meeting is on 26.06. We will discuss plans for the rest of 2026 related to applications, publications, participation in conferences, and other activities.
- June: The group participated in Navigating Knowledge Landscapes hosted by the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.
- June: Exchange Mobility: Montenegro / Campus Kotor.
- The group has submitted five applications in the period from January to May: HK-dir (2); Nansen Fund (1); NordForsk (1); Research Council of Norway (1).
- Collaboration with Research Group Eurasia will include an application for funding to organize a research seminar marking the 250th anniversary of Adam Smith’s work An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. The seminar will bring together researchers from economics, history, political science, educational science, and digitalization to discuss the work’s historical significance and its relevance to today’s challenges in economic governance, education reform, and digital transformations (time: tbd – 2026/2027).
- Irina Roddvik is invited to service as a session leader at the SMS 46th Annual Conference in Berlin .Track K: Scaling, Industry Evolution & Technology Hype has been scheduled to take place on Mon, 19 Oct 2026 from 11:30 AM to 12:45 PM in a Paper Session.
- May 2026: The group worked on applications to the Nansen Fund and the Research Council of Norway.
- There were Erasmus exchange trips to Ghent (Belgium) and Podgorica (Montenegro).
- April 2026: Application via NordForsk. The group advanced its external funding efforts, participated in high-profile seminars, held internal strategic meetings, and progressed an application to NordForsk. These activities reflect the group’s focus on securing research support, disseminating results, and coordinating new research initiatives.
- April 2026: Collaboration with NordForsk — application in progress.
- March 2026: 20.03: Meeting in the research group leader network: research leadership and research ethics. The group was presented and participated in the discussions.
- 17.03–19.03: The three members Irina Roddvik, Søren Wenstøp, and Jørn Halvorsen participated in Module 2 of the Doctoral Supervision programme at Østfold University College. They contributed actively in lectures and discussions and are now ready to receive their diplomas and to supervise PhD candidates. The institute needs this expertise, and the research group will be expanded with new members. Congratulations to all!
- 4 March 2026: AI HUB seminar — presentation on “Digital Exclusion”. Group members participated in the AI HUB seminar and delivered a presentation titled “Digital Exclusion", sharing recent findings, raising awareness about digital exclusion risks in AI deployment, and engaging with the broader research community.
2025
October — March 2026: External funding applications
The group submitted two external funding applications during this period: one to HK-dir and one to the Nansen Fund. These applications target support for the group’s ongoing and planned research initiatives.
26 February : Research group meeting
A full-group meeting was held to discuss research initiatives, align priorities, review progress across projects, and plan next steps for proposals and collaborations.
Research coordination: Outcomes from the February meeting will guide proposal refinements and project timelines; responsibilities and milestones were assigned to ensure progress.
- The project Cross-border Impact on Regional Development was presented by Irina Roddvik.
This project examines cross-border processes shaping regional development and the evolving interactions that contribute to a shared European “DNA.” It builds on interdisciplinary methods to map economic, social, and institutional ties across borders and to identify policy levers that strengthen sustainable, inclusive growth.
Why it matters
Cross-border regions are engines of innovation, mobility, and resilience, but they also face coordination challenges (transport, labour markets, governance). Understanding how cross-border interactions influence regional trajectories helps policymakers design targeted interventions that boost competitiveness, reduce disparities, and foster European cohesion.
- Irina N. Roddvik appointed to Program Committee for MoMM 2026
Irina N. Roddvik, an Associate Professor at ØIS, has been honoured with an invitation to join the Program Committee for the 24rd International Conference on Advances in Mobile Computing & Multimedia Intelligence (MoMM2025). This prestigious event will be held in December 2026 in the picturesque in Tailand.
- External funding
The research group already has research on this topic funded by InterReg, and the group supervises several student projects, including “Cross-border Impact on Regional Development” and work on further interaction in the development of the European “DNA.” This established base of funded research and student engagement ensures strong continuity, local knowledge, and rapid uptake of project results.
- The projects under the DIGIBEST Initiative:
Outreach and dissemination: The “Digital Exclusion” seminar presentation increased the group’s visibility in the AI research community and established contacts for future collaborations (searching for partners and funding).
- Focus on Sustainable Leadership and Governance:
The project *“Sustainable Leadership and Governance: Rethinking Experiences and Practices on the Road to European Integration — Lessons from the Norwegian Model in Ukrainian Higher Education in a Digital Era”* is highly relevant because it combines comparative policy learning with practical capacity-building to support Ukraine’s European integration, democratic resilience, and post-conflict reconstruction.
The project unites Lviv Polytechnic National University (LPNU), Chernivtsi National University (CNU), and Østfold University College (HIØ) in creating new educational programmes (courses at bachelor level, master level and lectures relevant for PhD level) related to Sustainable Leadership and Governance in a Digital Era and the Road to European Integration.
By pairing the Norwegian governance model with digital transformation and new higher education programmes, the project addresses urgent needs in public accountability, institutional modernization in a digital transformation, and skills development. The project addresses interlinked gaps that constrain Ukraine’s progress toward EU-aligned governance and resilient higher education in an era of digital transition.
The research group is interested in initiating a project focused on student research. Several members of the group already practice research-based teaching and routinely incorporate research projects into students’ assignments, giving students hands-on experience in formulating questions, collecting and analysing data, and communicating findings.
Strengthening student research at HIØ is important because it deepens student learning, increases academic engagement, and builds transferable skills—critical thinking, project management, and scientific communication. In addition, actively involving students in research enhances the institution’s academic profile, fosters collaboration between staff and students, and helps prepare graduates for advanced study and the labour market.
The group welcomes enquiries about ongoing proposals, seminar materials, and collaboration opportunities. Provide email or web contact if you want this inserted.
20.12: Research seminar:
The recent research seminar (19.12.25) was a fruitful gathering, featuring interesting presentations and engaging discussions. John Erik Andreassen presented his PhD research on the intriguing links between innovation and efficiency within organizations.
Danuta Tomczak offered a draft exploring historical predictions in business and society.
Lastly, Irina Roddvik presented a historical business article draft based on Norwegian business activities in Arkhangelsk during the period 1880–1930.
Each presentation contributed uniquely to the seminar, inspiring deep reflection and thought-provoking discussions among participants.
2025: Irina N. Roddvik appointed to Program Committee for MoMM 2025
Irina N. Roddvik, an Associate Professor at ØIS, has been honoured with an invitation to join the Program Committee for the 23rd International Conference on Advances in Mobile Computing & Multimedia Intelligence (MoMM2025). This prestigious event will be held in December 2025 in the picturesque city of Matsue, Japan.
2025–2026:
The research group is engaged in a project in Montenegro, collaborating with the University of Montenegro on student and staff mobility initiatives.
2025 (we look forward to 2026–2027):
The research group is focused on collaboration with the Ukrainian team from LPNU on an HK-dir project, aiming to transfer expertise between Ukraine and Norway. The project centres on Sustainable Leadership and Governance in a digital society. The DigiBest initiative is ongoing.
2025
The research group is concentrating on student research and has organized multiple student research seminars and workshops. These include the Research Seminar at Telenor held in 2022, 2023, and 2024, with a focus on sustainability and digitalization in modern international business.
2024–2025:
ELSE project
The ELSE project, in which the members were involved, has concluded. As part of the project, a course on Sustainable Leadership was developed, and two trips to China were organized. One of these trips included 10 students from Hebei University in China, who visited Oslo.
2024–2025:
The Research Group makes use of the HIOF Oslo office for its activities, such as biannual research seminars and research meetings, which include Teams meetings with colleagues from different universities. Topics from the recent seminars included:
- A presentation by Søren Wenstøp in 2025, discussing insights from his book on ethics.
- A presentation by John Erik Andreassen in 2024, covering findings from his PhD articles.
- A presentation by Danuta Tomczak, focusing on articles related to the economic situation in the former USSR.
- A presentation by Irina Roddvik in 2024, exploring research opportunities in collaboration with Montenegro.
- Presentations by Ukrainian colleagues from LPNU regarding their research associated with DIGIBest.
2023
Before the autumn semester started, Team Norway from HIOF with ØKAD’s researchers participated in the international kick-off in Zakopane (Poland). Team Ukraine and Team Poland participated as well. The researchers discussed future cooperation related to the research initiative from the Research Group Business Development and Internationalization. The cooperation related to student mobility between HIOF and LPNU (Lviv, Ukraine) was also discussed. It was decided to arrange the International Research Student Conference in 2022 in Halden.
• 2023 – a year to build up research alliances and to find new projects.
• The research group has established research cooperation with Lviv Polytechnic University, University of Economics in Katowice, Oslo Metropolitan University, and Chernivtsi National University.
• 15.06.23 (Jeløya Radio): Research gathering.
• The group will discuss the possibility for external financing for a new initiative connected to the twin transition during the research gathering.
• 30.05.2023: A visit by two researchers from Ukraine (Chernivtsi and Zhytomyr).
• A meeting in the research group related to the common project in Social Entrepreneurship.
• May 2023: Abstract “Co-production” (case Norway–Poland) presented at the conference in Budapest.
• A project “Co-production” together with the University of Economics in Katowice started in March 2023.
• Roddvik and Halvorsen are working on the paper “Co-production in a Digital Society (case Norway–Poland)”.
• February 2023: Lecturing for students at Lviv Polytechnic University. Course: “Public Financial Management”.
• November 2022: Lecturing for Lviv Polytechnic University – course in International Economy and Trade.
• 27.10.2022: Students from Lviv participated in the International Student Conference in International Marketing.
• 24–30.10.2022: A visit from Lviv Polytechnic University. A meeting about the further development of DigiBest.
• All three research groups will meet 3.06.22 for discussions about the research strategy.
• NCSB conference (https://www.ncsbconference.org) in Denmark, May 2022.
• Invited guest researchers and lecturers.
• The group will have two meetings per year, and two meetings together with two other groups at the Institute.
• Meeting 31.03.22
Olena Trevoho from Lviv Polytechnic University talked about the situation in Ukrainian universities (31.03.2022). Olga Iermolenko from Nord University also gave an update about the situation in Ukrainian academia. The group discussed possibilities for external financing and how to include our Ukrainian colleagues in our research activities.
Here is a short report:
1. It was an incredible encounter with tears and strong stories. What impressed members most is that Ukrainian universities continue to teach. They managed a quick turnaround operation and were up and running after the first two weeks of shock. Students are interested in continuing their studies. Universities from regions where there is war and which have been occupied have moved to Lviv / other cities in Western Ukraine. Universities in Western Ukraine have welcomed both students and staff. Teaching is digital. Academics use examples from the war to teach their subjects. Poland impressed everyone – they really started a massive process to help their neighbours – ID / information in Ukrainian / job offers and study places, etc.
2. Members of the research group suggested the following:
- ØIS can continue to work with the idea of using the rest of NARROW funding to help Ukrainian students come and study at HIOF (dean and principal are informed, some clarifications are needed from CP / authorities).
- It is important that our Ukrainian colleagues are involved in various research processes. The group will start brainstorming (next meeting in June) to discuss which projects we can apply for via DIKU / Interreg / other sources and how we can connect Lviv Polytechnic University (LPNU) to these projects.
- All researchers in the group are positive about starting research processes with colleagues from LPNU. Skills will be mapped and partners helped to find each other. The group was invited to participate in the “Ukrainian research network” – research related to Ukraine and more.
- One of the members (Danuta Tomczak) proposed forming a group of Ukrainian students and using subject staff who can teach in Russian / Ukrainian / English (Norwegian in the long term). Danuta is Polish, has worked all her life at HIOF / ØKAD, is an active member of the group, and can teach in Russian, Ukrainian, Polish, and English. Several others at the faculty can also help. Good coordination and dialogue with management is needed.
- Some courses proposed including Ukrainian students via Zoom in selected lectures.
• We will have the next meeting in June where we will discuss research strategy. There we can provide more information related to Ukraine. Maybe there will be more clarification regarding our proposals.
• ELSE Sustainable Leadership 2022: China–Norway cooperation (via Zoom. Contact: Irina Roddvik). Next lectures:
April 6th 09:00–11:00 (CET) Lecture 4: Sustainable Development Goal #11
“Sustainable construction and development”. Dr. Han Jin, Dr. Lian Jiting, Han Miao & L. Berglund
• We will try to invite our partners from Nord University to a meeting to talk about their research and cooperation with Ukraine (date to be decided, 2022).
• The group will have a meeting in June together with the Research Group Eurasia (date: tbd).
April 20th 09:00–11:00 (CET) Lecture 5: Sustainable Development Goal #12
“Sustainable consumption and the world economy”. Dr. Liao Lily & Dr. Irina Roddvik
April 27th 09:00–11:00 (CET) Lecture 6: Sustainable Development Goal #13
“Climate reminder and course summary”. Dr. Han Jin, Liu Jiahao & Dr. S. Wenstøp
• SMALE project is started! Webinars about important trends in the world economy, March–April 2021 (contact Irina Roddvik to receive a Zoom link).
• Ukrainian delegation visit to HIOF: Lviv Polytechnic University visited HIOF in February 2020 and participated in the Research Group Meeting. Contact at the level of research groups is established.
• HIOF / ØKAD visited Lviv and worked together with the researchers from Lviv Polytechnic University, September 2019.
• In March 2018, Evgueni Vinogradov (Nordlandsforskning, Bodø) visited us and presented his research institute.
• In May 2018, Torsten Thieme (PricewaterhouseCoopers Kazakhstan) gave a guest lecture on blockchain technologies.
• A Routledge book *International Entrepreneurship in Emerging Markets: Contexts, Behaviours, and Successful Entry* (2022) is published.
Irina Roddvik and Birgit Leick have contributed with a chapter:
*Illusion and deprivation of control: Entrepreneurial practices of SMEs during internationalisation in Russia*
• Digital entrepreneurship in the Nordic sharing economy
Between 2018 and 2019, Mehtap Aldogan Eklund, Bjørnar Karlsen Kivedal, and Birgit Leick worked on the exploratory, own-funded research project *Digital entrepreneurs: Exploring the sharing economy from a Nordic perspective*. The project explores the sharing economy in Nordic countries with a focus on local economies. A follow-up project was planned for spring 2020.
• Current CfP:
Call for papers, EURAM 2020 Annual Conference, SIG Entrepreneurship (T03_16).
Related publications:
• Leick, B.; Eklund, M.A.; Kivedal, B.K. (2020), *Digital Entrepreneurs in the Sharing Economy: A Case Study on Airbnb and Regional Economic Development in Norway.* In: Strømmen, Bakhtiar, A. & Vinogradov, E. (eds.). *The Impact of the Sharing Economy on Business and Society. Digital Transformation and the Rise of Platform Businesses.* First edition, forthcoming.
• Vinogradov, E.; Kivedal, B.K.; Leick, B. (2020), *An agent-based modelling approach to housing market regulations and Airbnb-induced tourism.* Accepted in *Tourism Management*.
Contact: Birgit Leick
Scandinavian Management and Emerging Economies
UTFORSK Combining course attendance and student participation in research: Understanding public health inequity through cultures
Geir C. Tufte and Lana Berglund work on this project, co-financed by Diku (project number: UTF-2018-two-year/100/10), HiØ and Hebei Geo University, China. The main goals are:
• Conduct a research project concerning comparative research methodology, where bachelor students in China and Norway participate as students in the course SFB13009 Meetings among Cultures at ØUC.
• Establish a long-term educational partnership between HGU and ØUC.
• Develop long-term student mobility between HGU (China) and ØUC (Norway).
• Ensure research results are presented for the benefit of non-academic partners.
Expected results will be: 4 Chinese and 4 Norwegian students obtain ECTS from SFB13009 *Meetings among Cultures*; a publication (Level 1 or 2) summarizing research and educational outcomes (2021); an educational partnership and academic cooperation between HGU and ØUC.
Contact: Geir Conrad Tufte